Page 34 of Together at Ruby's

Liza’s saw Tate nod. “They are certainly out of control.”

“Yes,” Charles said, looking at Tate. “And I will say you were quite brave. I could see you from down the block and witnessed the altercation. Standing up for your rights is never an easy thing to do.”

Tate lifted her chin. “I wasn’t only standing up for my own rights. I was standing up for my friends too.”

The man’s face looked solemn, and he gave her a nod. “Even more admirable.”

“But that doesn’t quite answer the whole question,” Liza said not giving up on finding out the story behind the stranger in the business suit. “Why were you staring at our booth?”

His smile returning, the man chuckled. “Was I that obvious?”

Tate and Liza both nodded. “It was,” Liza said. “Which is why we sent Tate to talk to you.”

“I see,” Charles said. “It’s not anything specific that led me here. I walked around and saw all the different booths but was drawn to this one because of the crowd.” Liza nodded but didn’t interrupt. “I saw people’s reaction to what you were serving and at first I thought it was actual cocktails, hence their popularity.”

Vivian held up a finger. “But they are not cocktails.”

Charles’s eyes twinkled. “So I found out. I asked a gentleman as he passed what exactly he was drinking, and he said it was an amazing virgin margarita.” Charles set his glass on the table. “So let me ask, do any of you actually own Ruby’s bar?”

“I do,” Vivian said. “It’s not far from here. I bought it just over a year ago, and it’s been remodeled by my partner—Allie Dawson.

Apparently, hearing her name, Allie ducked over for a second. “What did I miss?” she asked, and the man glanced at her before looking directly at Vivian.

“I’m in a conversation with this amazing woman who is clearly creative and knows her business,” he answered. “May I ask your name?”

“Vivian Wade.”

“Perfect,” Charles said, holding out his hand. “Vivian, we should talk more. My job is to take creative ideas like yours and make them international sensations.”

Vivian returned his gesture. “I’d be interested in hearing more about what you are thinking.”

“Then let’s talk. What is the address of your bar? I want to come visit,” Charles said. “Because I have a feeling you and your mocktails are exactly the thing my investors are looking for.”

24

“Can you believe how amazing this weekend was?” Liza said as Tate steered them into the garage. “It was crazy how people lined up to have Vivian’s mocktails.” Tate nodded. The booth had been an overwhelming success, and Ruby’s name had spread amongst all the festivalgoers. She wouldn’t be surprised if the number of people coming to Ruby’s going forward would be greatly increased.

Tate turned off the SUV. “And then there was Charles,” Tate replied. “I mean it’s one thing to be successful on a small scale, but if he could somehow bottle Vivian’s mocktail recipes and market them like he seemed to think he could…” She shook her head. “Vivian’s financial concerns would be over.”

“She deserves that,” Liza said as they got out of the car and walked to the back door. “I love that Allie found her. They’re so good together.”

Before they went inside the house, Tate paused and took Liza’s hand. “Like we are?” she asked, trying to make it sound playful, but there was an edge of seriousness in her question. Liza looked at Tate and their eyes held. For a second, Tate wasn’t sure what to think, but then Liza leaned in and kissed her on the lips. It was gentle and loving.

“We are an amazing couple,” she said. “Now, let’s have a glass of wine, sit on the couch and relax. Standing so much these last two days has been hard on my feet.”

“Your feet?” Tate asked as they walked into the kitchen and Liza took down two glasses. “Then could I interest you in a foot rub?”

“Oh, you so could,” Liza almost moaned. “I’m going to take you up on that.”

Tate took the cork out of the wine and poured them both a serving. “It’s the least I can do,” Tate said. “I feel bad that your birthday fell on Pride this year, and we didn’t truly get a chance to celebrate it.” She handed Liza her glass. “I would have liked to take you away somewhere special since it’s a significant birthday.”

Liza shook her head as she walked toward the living room with Tate following. “This is not a birthday I really wanted to celebrate.”

Tate had heard Liza say that repeatedly, and it was the reason why she had been so subdued around the birthday celebration. In fact, Liza had basically made her swear she wouldn’t do anything out of the ordinary. Tate had complied but wished she hadn’t. Liza had reacted with positive emotion over the birthday cake Nikki brought, and Tate realized she may have made a mistake.

Sitting on the couch, Tate sighed. “Still, I’m sorry that I didn’t do more.”

“It’s fine. You did what I asked,” Liza said as she set her wine glass on the coffee table and lay back against the cushions. “You can make up for it with one of your amazing foot rubs.”

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